I have run about a dozen marathons and/or half marathons. However, my greatest personal athletic achievement was when I ran 26.2 miles by myself in preparation for my first marathon. I walked into my house and cried because I did that marathon for me and only me.

The Fool:

Is there a public figure that inspires you?

TMFReubenGBrewer:

Winston Churchill because he did the right thing when so many took the easy way out. Also the unkown Chinese man who stood in front of a tank at Tiananmen Square because he was willing to risk his life for freedom.

My Story

My dad started an IRA for me when I was a teen and then introduced me to managing my own money a few years later. It's been a fun ride every since, including a nearly 15 year stint at Value Line where I started as a Mutual Funds Analyst and rose to the position of Director of Research. I truly enjoy investing and all the effort that goes into it, particularly when I get the chance to talk to me dad about it. In fact, I can spend days researching a stock even if I never buy it!

How I Invest

I love dividends and love dividend growth. So my research usually starts with one or both of these metrics. After that, I spend a lot time getting to know a company. I'm not looking for a one night stand, I'm looking to get married!
I use mutual funds sparingly, and only when they do something that I don't have the time, expertise, or inclination to do myself.